Andy Katz discusses the red-hot ticket market for UConn in the Sweet 16, the tough matchup DeAndre Kane has against Shabazz Napier, and Adriean Payne reveals which Big Ten team comes to mind when he watches Virginia.

SAN ANTONIO -- DeAndre Kane was off to the side praying to himself.Georges Niang could feel his heart about to beat through his chest.And Iowa State coach Fred Hoiberg couldnt stop worrying all that might go wrong if officials put even a sliver of time back on the clock for North Carolina to attempt one final shot.

SAN ANTONIO -- According to the venerable RPI metric, the Big 12 had the best conference in college basketball this season. As a result, the league put seven teams into the NCAA tournament, more than any other conference.

Earlier this month, I ranked my top five point guards under pressure: Shabazz Napier, Marcus Paige, Tyler Ennis, Fred VanVleet and Xavier Thames. With the NCAA tournament underway, I would still keep that group as the nations best, but there are five more names I'd add to form my top 10.

KANSAS CITY -- As Melvin Ejim, DeAndre Kane and a bandaged Georges Niang -- he took an elbow to the right eye -- walked off the podium, each player gave Fred Hoiberg a fist bump minutes after theyd punched Kansas in the mouth.